Senate collates submission on Constitution review

The Senate Committee on Constitution Review will begin the collation of submissions from the six geopolitical zones, it was learnt yesterday.

A source close to the committee said the consultants, who began work after public hearings in the zones, are now in the last lap of their assignment.

The source, who spoke in confidence, explained that the collation is a prelude to the submission of the final draft of the bill to the Senate for consideration and possible passage.

He said the committee plans to hold a retreat in Lagos to consider the submissions next week.

The source added: “Barring last minute changes, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review will hold a retreat in Lagos from April 25 to 28 to consider the submissions from the various geopolitical zones.

“The retreat will afford the committee the opportunity to look at the submissions that emanated from the geopolitical zones. After looking at them, the committee will take a decision, based on the preponderance of evidence as to what aspects of the issues slated for amendment would make it into the draft bill on Constitution review to be submitted to the Senate for consideration.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “You will recall that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Ike Ekweremadu, did promise that the committee would present its report to the Senate in the third quarter of this year.”

In the sixth National Assembly, lawmakers tried to amend the Constitution but concentrated largely on issues relating to electoral reforms.

The issues listed for the ongoing constitution review by the Seventh National Assembly, include: One term of five years for the President; governors and deputy governors; devolution of powers for true federalism; indigeneship; financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly; state creation; state police; immunity clause, Judicial reforms and autonomy for local governments, among others.

It is, however, not clear how soon the report of the committee would be ready for presentation to the Senate after the retreat.